Project Atlas

An aerostat-airship hybrid has the significant advantage of easy redeployment or recovery in response to changes in battlefield positions, the threat of direct attack, or acts of sabotage, such as the cutting of tethers. Traditional aerostat systems lack both propulsion and navigation systems, and therefore cannot be flown to their deployment sites. This limitation requires larger crews and substantial equipment (including the payload) to be delivered to potentially vulnerable and more widely spaced deployment locations. In contrast, this proposal's hybrids use a compact, re-usable, rapidly-inflatable hangar for the processes of inflating, rigging, and equipping the hybrid. This leaves a relatively small logistical footprint at the actual deployment site, consisting of a mobile mooring system and mast for landing the airship, an anchored tether and associated winch for when the hybrid is switched into aerostat mode, a generator with its fuel supply, and a communications relay point—representing a reduced demand for transportation and supply, and a minimal loss in the event of attack. The tethering process is automated to the maximum extent possible, in order to minimize the need for on-site personnel. When possible, the hybrid will operate “on tether” as an aerostat, drawing power for on-board systems and electric propulsion, and providing data to ground stations over the tether. In this mode, the ship does not need to descend to replenish fuel, and is able to stay aloft for as long as 30 days. Operating with electric propulsion when “on-tether” offers the important feature of “flying in place” to maintain position and avoid “blow-down”. When the hybrid is then switched to airship mode (flying “off-tether”), the system can execute a range of missions which will be defined by both atmospheric conditions and what systems are actually in use. The liquid fuel APU provides back-up power to enhance both flight range and the capacity to keep on-board surveillance and communications systems operating during a redeployment flight. Adjustments to power utilization of all on-board payload systems are made dynamically, as missions evolve.  This ensures the maximum efficacy of the overall system, and optimizes the recovery-reusability of the equipment.